Sunday, 22 July 2012

Work

"The worst enemy mankind ever had was the dastard who persuaded it that work, which might be the dearest joy we have, was...well,...work." ~ Marjorie Spock, Waldorf Schools: Kindergarten and Early Grades

Today was about work. For the adults it was a dawn to dusk thing. For the children, it was a morning thing, with some peppered in throughout the evening.

Today's work, though, as mundane as it was, didn't feel like work. It felt as though there was a purpose to it. Serving those dearest to me. I could see, touch and hear the direct recipients of my efforts.

I thought back to the days when I was paid to "work". I remember my employer's efforts to create a line of sight between its employees and the customers we served. Being a corporate office employee, the line was a bit longer, and went through more people before it hit the customer, but there was a line of sight nonetheless. I remember thinking that the line made sense logically, but "the line" didn't resonate with my heart. I wasn't stirred to doing tremendous things because of those customers. I was stirred to do my best so the paycheque I brought home would be higher and my family could live more comfortably.

Fast forward almost two years. My "work" has now changed significantly, and continues to evolve. I grow and put up some of our food. I prepare our meals. I make our clothing, and clean it too. I try very hard to nourish our children's minds and hearts. Now, I also almost exclusively facilitate their learning. It's a long and diverse list. It makes for days that fly by. It makes for just as much scheduling and multi-tasking as I used to do. But something is different. I know that all of my effort directly goes into our family. At the end of each day, the sense of fulfillment I feel is greater. Those failures sting a little more too. But I am eager to get up in the morning to see what the day will bring.

I hope that if our children see one who loves work, they in turn will seek and find work that fuels their spirit and gives them energy.

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About me

Welcome! My name is Sheri Adams-Selinger, and I'm a second-year homeschooling mama to Nicholas (10) and Jaelyn (7). Eventually our youngest, Astrin (3), will join the ranks of school-aged little ones to stay, play and learn here. My husband, Chris, is my rock and lifeline.

I started this blog for several reasons. First, I would like my children to see an adult enjoying writing on a daily basis, with the hopes this will encourage their own love for writing. Second, I would like to chronicle our adventures.

Most importantly though, I'd like this space to be a space where other homeschooling families can connect, whether rookies or veterans. Ideas, inspiration, advice and support are all welcomed and encouraged here!

So, grab a mug of what suits you, pull up a chair, and join us! Thanks for stopping by!